The superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System has been named a 2010 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award winner by the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA).  John Dilworth (left) received the award March 6 from his nominator, Louisiana State University College of Education Dean Jayne Fleener (right). 

In her nomination letter, Dr. Fleener described how Dilworth has re-invigorated the community to support a School System “on the edge.” “Upon his arrival as the new superintendent in July 2009, the balance has shifted with a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the district. He has proven his extraordinary leadership time after time by communicating and upholding high expectations for faculty, staff and students; recognizing the challenges they face; providing positive and sustainable support; and serving as a role model for students and staff.”

The Excellence in Educational Leadership Award is an annual recognition for practicing school administrators who have made significant contributions to the improvement of administrator preparation. Each year, the UCEA Executive Committee invites member university faculties to select a distinguished school administrator who has an exemplary record of supporting school administrator preparation efforts.  The University Council for Educational Administration is a consortium of higher education institutions committed to advancing the preparation and practice of educational leaders for the benefit of schools/children.

“Mr. Dilworth understands the role public schools play in shaping the future of the community,” Dr. Fleener wrote.  “He has embraced the community and become a strong advocate for the district. At the same time, he does not hide behind data or sound bites but is willing to expose challenges and work with the community to ameliorate them. He has participated in and created public forums to increase the lines of communication with the various constituencies. Anyone who meets Mr. Dilworth understands his passion for improving schools for ALL children. His actions and words have created hope for a community that had written off its public schools.

“He exemplifies the qualities exhibited by this award. His personal qualities of sincerity, honesty, commitment, and passion are foundational to his ability to regain the trust and commitment of his various constituencies.  People can believe in him because he believes in them. He has transformed, in one year, a district and a community that, while it still has significant educational challenges, has come together in ways not thought possible a few short years ago.”